Working a job may feel like an inconvenient necessity when you’re already slammed as a full-time student, but working part-time can bring a lot of benefits beyond that biweekly paycheck. My tip for you is to find ways to make your part-time job work for you. Here are some things to think about when looking for a position (or making a switch):
Gain cool experiences.
Whether it’s learning Adobe products in the library tech lab, keeping a budget for your office, or training a new hire, there are lots of opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience with campus jobs. Look for positions that will give you an opportunity to get experience in a field you’re interested in.
Networking really is what it’s cracked up to be.
Working on campus can provide you with valuable opportunities to rub shoulders with professors, librarians, and other professionals. Take advantage of these relationships—they can provide a lot of help and guidance as you work through your degree, open your eyes to resources available to you as a student, and may even act as great personal references (or letters of recommendation, ahem grad school?) as you get ready to graduate.
Keep an eye out for work perks.
If you aren’t sure yet what you’re interested in, or if you can’t find a job in that area, there are lots of other advantages available at campus jobs. To name a few:
- Food court or dining hall jobs will often offer a free meal during your shift.
- Some campus bookstore employees get discounts on books and other products.
- Landscaping work will get you outside and help you schedule in exercise.
- Janitorial positions will let you listen to podcasts or audiobooks while you work (I’m looking at you, English majors).
- Some library or office jobs let you do homework during downtime.
Whatever you do, don’t settle for a crummy job that demands a lot for little pay with no perks. You probably can find a better job, especially if you’re always looking, so keep an eye out, talk to your professors, and don’t be afraid to apply for jobs you feel unqualified for—that’s the best way to learn. If you can hustle for your part-time campus job, you can definitely hustle at a bigger, better paying job, and you’ll be better prepared to land the cool, full-time position of your dreams after graduation.